Key Takeaways
• L-1A visa grants up to seven years, extending two years beyond the L-1B five-year limit.
• Employers must file Form I-129 with USCIS including proper documentation and fees of $1,385.
• Respond promptly to USCIS Requests for Evidence to avoid delays or denials.
If you’re working in the United States 🇺🇸 on an L-1B visa and your company wants to promote you to a managerial or executive role, you might be thinking about switching to an L-1A visa. This move can be very important, especially if you want to stay in the United States 🇺🇸 longer than the five years allowed under the L-1B visa. The L-1A visa gives you up to seven years, which is two extra years to work, plan, and maybe even look into other immigration options in the future.
This guide will walk you through every step of the process for converting from an L-1B visa to an L-1A visa. You’ll find clear instructions, time estimates, tips to avoid common mistakes, and a checklist to help you stay organized. By following these steps, you can help make sure your transition goes as smoothly as possible.
Understanding the L-1B and L-1A Visas
Before you start, it’s important to know the difference between the two visas:
- L-1B visa: For employees with “specialized knowledge.” This means you have special skills or know-how that is important to your company. You can stay in the United States 🇺🇸 for up to five years on this visa.
- L-1A visa: For employees who work as managers or executives. This visa is for people who lead teams, make big decisions, or run parts of the company. You can stay in the United States 🇺🇸 for up to seven years on this visa.
Both visas require that you worked for your company outside the United States 🇺🇸 for at least one year in the last three years before coming to the United States 🇺🇸.
Step 1: Determine Eligibility
Time estimate: 1-2 weeks
Before you do anything else, make sure you qualify for the L-1A visa. This is the most important step. If you don’t meet the requirements, your application will be denied.
What You Need to Check
- Promotion to Manager or Executive: You must be moving into a real managerial or executive position. This means you:
- Supervise other employees or a department
- Have the power to hire, fire, or recommend these actions
- Make important decisions for the company or a big part of it
- Employment History: You must have worked for your company outside the United States 🇺🇸 for at least one continuous year in the last three years before your first L-1 visa application.
Tip: Your company’s HR or legal team can help decide if your new role fits the L-1A requirements.
Common Pitfall: Some people think any promotion qualifies. But the new job must clearly be a manager or executive role, not just a higher-level specialist.
Step 2: Prepare Documentation
Time estimate: 2-4 weeks
Good paperwork is key to a successful L-1B to L-1A conversion. Gather all documents that show you meet the requirements.
Documents to Collect
- Job Offer Letter: Clearly states your new title and describes your duties as a manager or executive.
- Organizational Chart: Shows where you fit in the company and who you supervise.
- Company Relationship Proof: Documents showing your company in the United States 🇺🇸 is related to the company abroad (parent, branch, affiliate, or subsidiary).
- Previous Employment Records: Pay stubs, contracts, or letters showing you worked for the company outside the United States 🇺🇸 for at least one year.
- Current L-1B Approval Notice: Your latest Form I-797, Notice of Action.
- Resume or CV: Updated to reflect your new role and responsibilities.
Tip: Double-check that all documents are up to date and match the information in your application.
Common Pitfall: Missing or outdated documents can cause delays or denials.
Step 3: File Form I-129
Time estimate: 1-2 weeks to prepare, plus USCIS processing time
Your employer must file Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This is the main form for changing your visa conditions.
How to Complete Form I-129
- Select “Change in Previously Approved Employment”: This tells USCIS you’re not changing your status, but changing your job duties.
- Request Extension or Amendment: If you’re close to your L-1B five-year limit, ask for an extension as an L-1A. If you’re not close to the limit, you may only need to amend your petition.
- Attach All Supporting Documents: Include everything you gathered in Step 2.
Tip: Make sure your employer signs the form and includes their contact information.
Common Pitfall: Filing the wrong form or forgetting to check the correct boxes can cause your petition to be rejected.
Step 4: Pay Required Fees
Time estimate: Same day as filing
You must pay the filing fee when submitting Form I-129. As of July 2025, the fee is $1,385 for most employers.
Additional Fees
- Premium Processing (Optional): If you want a faster decision, you can file Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service and pay an extra $2,805. This gets you a decision in 15 calendar days.
Tip: Check the USCIS Fee Schedule for the latest fees before you file.
Common Pitfall: Not including the correct fee or using an old fee schedule can delay your application.
Step 5: USCIS Processing
Time estimate: 2-6 months (standard), 15 days (premium processing)
After you file, USCIS will review your petition. They may approve it, deny it, or ask for more information.
What Happens During Processing
- Receipt Notice: You’ll get a Form I-797C, Notice of Action, confirming USCIS received your petition.
- Request for Evidence (RFE): If USCIS needs more information, they’ll send an RFE. You must respond by the deadline.
Tip: Premium processing is a good idea if you’re close to your L-1B visa’s five-year limit.
Common Pitfall: Ignoring an RFE or missing the response deadline can lead to denial.
Step 6: Respond to Requests for Evidence (RFE)
Time estimate: 1-4 weeks, depending on what’s requested
If you get an RFE, don’t panic. It’s common and just means USCIS needs more proof.
How to Respond
- Read the RFE Carefully: Understand exactly what USCIS wants.
- Gather Requested Documents: Only send what they ask for.
- Write a Clear Response Letter: Explain how your documents answer their questions.
- Send Everything Before the Deadline: Late responses are not accepted.
Tip: Ask your company’s immigration lawyer to review your response before you send it.
Common Pitfall: Sending too much or too little information can confuse USCIS and slow down your case.
Step 7: USCIS Decision
Time estimate: Usually within 15 days (premium) or 2-6 months (standard)
USCIS will make a decision after reviewing your petition and any RFE response.
What to Expect
- Approval: You’ll get an updated Form I-797, Notice of Action, showing your new L-1A status and the new expiration date.
- Denial: USCIS will explain why. You may be able to appeal or reapply if you fix the problems.
Tip: Keep your approval notice in a safe place. You’ll need it for work and travel.
Common Pitfall: Not reading the approval notice carefully. Make sure all information is correct.
Step 8: Visa Stamping (If Necessary)
Time estimate: 1-4 weeks, depending on embassy or consulate
If you plan to travel outside the United States 🇺🇸 and return, you’ll need a new L-1A visa stamp in your passport.
How to Get a Visa Stamp
- Schedule an Appointment: Contact a U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country.
- Bring Required Documents: Approval notice, passport, job offer letter, and other supporting documents.
- Attend Interview: Answer questions about your job and company.
Tip: Check the embassy’s website for specific instructions and wait times.
Common Pitfall: Traveling without a valid visa stamp can prevent you from re-entering the United States 🇺🇸.
Timing Strategy: When to File
To get the full seven years allowed under the L-1A visa, your L-1A petition must be approved at least six months before you reach the five-year limit on your L-1B visa. If you wait too long, you might lose out on the extra time.
Tip: Start the process early—ideally when you have about a year left on your L-1B visa.
Common Pitfall: Waiting until the last minute can lead to rushed paperwork and missed deadlines.
Common Pitfalls and Troubleshooting
- Not Meeting Manager/Executive Criteria: Make sure your new job duties match the L-1A requirements. Vague or unclear job descriptions are a common reason for denial.
- Incomplete Documentation: Missing or inconsistent documents can delay or sink your petition.
- Late Filing: If you file too close to your L-1B expiration, you might not get the full benefit of the L-1A visa.
- Ignoring RFEs: Always respond to USCIS requests quickly and completely.
- Traveling Without a Valid Visa Stamp: If you leave the United States 🇺🇸 without a new L-1A visa stamp, you may not be able to return.
Checklist Summary
Before you start, review this checklist to make sure you’re ready:
- [ ] Confirm you qualify for the L-1A visa (manager or executive role)
- [ ] Gather all required documents (job offer, organizational chart, proof of company relationship, employment history, current approval notice, resume)
- [ ] Complete and sign Form I-129
- [ ] Pay the correct filing fee (and premium processing fee if needed)
- [ ] Submit the petition and supporting documents to USCIS
- [ ] Watch for receipt notice and respond to any RFEs quickly
- [ ] Wait for USCIS decision and check approval notice for accuracy
- [ ] If traveling, schedule a visa stamping appointment at a U.S. embassy or consulate
- [ ] Keep all documents safe and up to date
Additional Tips and Resources
- Plan Ahead: Start early to avoid last-minute problems.
- Stay Organized: Keep copies of everything you send to USCIS.
- Consult an Expert: If you’re unsure about any step, talk to your company’s immigration lawyer or a trusted immigration attorney.
- Check Official Updates: Immigration rules can change. Always check the USCIS official website for the latest forms and instructions.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, careful planning and strong documentation are the keys to a smooth L-1B to L-1A transition. Filing early and making sure your new role truly fits the L-1A requirements can help you avoid delays and get the most benefit from your visa.
Final Thoughts
Switching from an L-1B visa to an L-1A visa is a big step, but it can open up new opportunities and give you more time in the United States 🇺🇸. By following these steps, staying organized, and paying attention to details, you can help make sure your application is successful. Remember, the process is not a “change of status” but a change in your job conditions, so focus on showing how your new role meets the L-1A requirements.
If you have questions or run into problems, don’t hesitate to reach out to an immigration attorney or contact USCIS directly. For more information, visit the USCIS L-1 visa page.
With good planning and the right support, you can make the most of your time in the United States 🇺🇸 and keep your career moving forward.
Learn Today
L-1B visa → A visa for employees with specialized knowledge allowing five years of US stay.
L-1A visa → A visa for managers or executives permitting up to seven years of work in the US.
Form I-129 → Petition form filed by employers to USCIS for visa status changes or extensions.
Request for Evidence (RFE) → A USCIS notice asking for additional information or documents during application processing.
Premium Processing → An optional paid service accelerating USCIS decision to 15 calendar days.
This Article in a Nutshell
Switching from an L-1B to L-1A visa extends work stay to seven years. Follow clear steps: check eligibility, prepare documents, file Form I-129, pay fees, and respond to USCIS. Early action and strong paperwork ensure smooth approval and longer US employment opportunities for managers and executives.
— By VisaVerge.com
